High street shift bodes well for dealers

Business could get even better for catering equipment distributors supplying the retail sector: new research shows independent food merchants are reclaiming the high street.

A survey carried out by insurance broker Simply Business suggests the UK’s reputation as a ‘foodie’ nation is being increasingly well catered for.

It analysed more than 40,000 independent retail outlets across the UK and discovered a 27% in independent food shops year-on-year.

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This rise of independent food and drink retailers may demonstrate a consumer backlash against national supermarket stalwarts and an increased desire to buy locally, the company said.

The growth ranged from a 31% rise in bakeries across the UK to a 10% increase in wine merchants.

“The surge in independent food merchants exemplifies the nimble nature of small businesses as their success is often determined by smartly tapping into growing trends at the right time,” said Jason Stockwood, CEO of Simply Business.

“We hope these independent food and drink stores will profit from consumers turning their backs on established supermarket chains in favour of their local providers who breathe new life into community high streets. Independent businesses are vital to the ongoing growth of the UK economy and our findings reinforce this.”